STUTTGART – Mercedes-Benz adds a second dedicated AMG model to its recently introduced second-generation C-Class coupe lineup in the form of the 362-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0L C43 4Matic Coupe.
Set to make its public premiere alongside the all-new C-Class cabriolet at the Geneva auto show prior to a U.S. sales launch later this year, the all-wheel-drive C43 4Matic Coupe joins the rear-wheel-drive C63 Coupe in a two-pronged assault by AMG on the likes of the BMW M4 and upcoming second-generation Audi RS5.
The C43 4Matic Coupe is the second in what Mercedes-Benz says will be an extended range of second-tier, V-6-powered AMG models to be unveiled in 2016. The first was the SLC43 that made its world debut at the Detroit auto show in January.
The 6-cyl. AMG models originally were sold under the 450 Sport name, beginning with the C450 Sport Sedan launched late last year. However, Mercedes-Benz and its AMG performance-car division subsequently decided to replace the 450 Sport name with the resurrected 43 nomenclature the German automaker first used on the C43 AMG in 1997.
“The extension of the C-Class family to include the C43 4MATIC Coupe is another component in our growth strategy. It starts the introduction of a whole series of new 43 models,” says Mercedes AMG Chairman Tobias Moers.
Although appearing similar to the C63 Coupe, the new C43 4Matic Coupe sports its own uniquely styled bumpers, grille insert, sills, trapezoidal-shaped tailpipes and 18-in. wheels, which come shod with 225/45 front and 245/40 rear tires.
Inside, there is an AMG instrument and graphics package, a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel and sport seats among a range of options.
Power for the C43 4Matic Coupe hails from the same twin-turbocharged 3.0L V-6 launched in the C450 Sport sedan. The 60-degree unit delivers 362 hp at 5,500 rpm and 383 lb.-ft. (519 Nm) of torque between 2,000 and 4,200 rpm.
This provides the C43 4Matic Coupe with 120 hp and 110 lb.-ft. (149 Nm) more than the turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. C300 Coupe, but 141 hp and 153 lb.-ft. (207 Nm) less than the twin-turbocharged 4.0L V-8 in the C63.
V-6 Provides Near-V-8 Performance
While the C63 Coupe channels its reserves through AMG’s 7-speed Speedshift automatic gearbox to the rear wheels, the C43 Coupe receives a lightly reworked version of Mercedes’ 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox with altered software allowing throttle blips on downshifts as well as a 4Matic system that apportions drive in a distinctly rear-biased 31:69 front-to-rear split.
No official weight figure for the C43 4Matic Coupe has been made public. However, the AMG division claims the C43 Coupe hits 62 mph (100 km/h) from standstill in 4.7 seconds – some 0.7 seconds slower than the official time provided for C63 Coupe. Like its more powerful sibling, its top speed is limited to 155 mph (249 km/h).
Accompanying the C43 4Matic Coupe’s underhood changes is a heavily reworked chassis boasting a number of AMG developments, including the same steering knuckles, load-bearing joints and various elasto-kinematic solutions from the C63 Coupe as part of what AMG describes as its Ride Control package.
Seeking to provide it with as broad a range of abilities as possible, AMG also has equipped the C43 4Matic Coupe with variable damping control offering a choice of Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus settings. The brakes are upgraded, with 14.2-in. (361-mm) front and 12.6-in. (320-mm) rear steel discs fitted as standard.
